a Kan

k, expectant silence f

ion. Juliana brought a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide with feigned disbelief. She looked from the velvet box in

d borrowed it months ago, claiming he wanted it professionally cleaned before the wedding. I'd never thought t

sincerity. "Jules, I know things have been difficult for y

casual, dismissive glance. His voice dropped, but it was pitched just loud enoug

e crowd. I could feel their pity, their morbi

raw with pain, screaming at him. The tears streaming down my face. The way everyone had looked at me-not w

who had cri

ply watched, my face a placid mask, like I was

g in their cruel victory, waiting for my inevitab

mil

han rage. The smile stopped them cold. Brett's confident smirk faltered. Juliana's t

a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray. The crys

rhythm on the polished marble. Each step was a death knell for the girl

ering on the bracelet now clasped around

to pull her hand back, then caught hers

ture that was purely for show. His brows furrowed. "Ange

red them both. I rais

s face. They expected me to smash the glass. Instead, my lips parted. My v

to Juliana's anxious one, and I

atulat

-